Centara Hotels has opened the first Boutique Collection resort in Vietnam, the Chen Sea Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Centara Boutique Collection.

Located in a beachside setting on the island of Phu Quoc, the property is built to an intimate scale with only 36 villas.

Operated under a management contract and previously known as Chen La Resort & Spa, Chen Sea Resort & Spa is Centara’s fourth property in an overseas destination.

“We are very pleased and proud to be announcing the addition of Chen Sea Resort & Spa, and we believe Vietnam holds immense tourism potential for the future,” says Gerd Steeb, president of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“This is part of our strategy of working closely with overseas business partners to develop a strong portfolio of prime properties in overseas destinations.”

A unique feature of the resort is that the 12 large pool and spa villas were originally traditional timber houses in the Vietnamese port city of Hoi An, shipped to the island of Phu Quoc and rebuilt as luxury holiday accommodation.

“Chen Sea Resort & Spa is a superb addition to our Centara Boutique Collection brand, fitting in perfectly with the concept designed for cosmopolitan travellers who prefer a more individual style of holiday,” says Chris Bailey, senior vice president for Centara Hotels & Resorts.

“Phu Quoc is growing quickly as a premier Vietnamese beach destination, and the resort offers both seclusion and convenience, as the local airport is only 15 minutes away.”

The resort features a spa, an ocean-facing swimming pool and tennis courts.